application for observer status, nonmember observer status at the u.n. the same way hamas scored a victory among palestinians by fighting israel. that will be an equivalent kind of victory for abu mazen if the u.n. votes in the palestinians' favor. all signs as you know well, they will. >> in fact, the french joined the supporters of that and, of course, the u.s. will either abstain or figure some other way to not take a position on it. thank you very much. martin fletcher, good to see you. >>> and after weeks of speculation surrounding the future of the republican party, in new jersey, chris christie made it official he is, indeed, running for re-election. >> i have a job to finish that i never anticipated six weeks ago having. and i just don't believe it would be right for me to leave now and i don't want to leave. i don't want to leave this job with this having happened to our state. >> joining me now is politico's senior political reporter lois romano. i don't think there was doubt he was going to run for re-election, but look at his latest poll ratings since the storm since sandy he's